Troublesome

The exam was nearing. Denki and Iwabe were struggling but their problems were the polar opposite of each other.

One was ignorant of Chakra control and the other was having a difficult time studying. While the two were as opposite as it gets, they surprisingly got along well.

"Urgh! I can't get this inside my head!"

Iwabe slammed his head on the table. I, along with Shikadai, Inojin, Mitsuki, and Iwabe was at thunder burger, having burgers.

"I can help if you want… well not like helping you to study but I'll tell you the method… Interested?"

He looked at me, skeptical.

"Fine"

He grumbled under his breath while looking in some other direction. I smiled, even though I would help him… I won't do it for free.

"But… I need something in return. Let's discuss that privately"

"Tch… Fine, I'll be near the Haruno residence at 5:00 pm, and be on time or I'll kick your ass"

"As if"

He clicked his tongue again. Well, I'm glad that Shikadai, Inojin nor Mitsuki asked any questions regarding this, I really don't wanna involve a third party.

"Now, I'll hope you keep the deal. As for the tip, Just stick yourself onto the wall and read the subject you want"

"Huh?… whatever, If It doesn't work..."

He glared at me before doing what I instructed.

"Woah!! Holy shit!! this actually works!?"

"Language, Iwabe"

Shikadai said, a sweat visible on his forehead, the others were glaring at Iwabe and he quickly apologized… everyone is changing, huh. The previous Iwabe wouldn't even bother with them… but now.

"I see, so what is actually happening is that Iwabe's mind can function twice or thrice the amount it usually does while actively using chakra… you're certainly brilliant Boruto… but I'm afraid that such a 'technique' would have its drawbacks, am I correct?"

"Yeah, although it is simple, the Chakra consumption and mental drain is quite the con"

Mitsuki nodded his head, a little delighted by the simple technique.

"Hmm… What if I use it, Nah it seems like a drag"

Shikadai muttered. Even if he uses it, it wouldn't have much of an effect, as to my theory the brain of a Nara is always in overdrive, building up fatigue and thus leading to laziness… I must admire his pervasiveness.

"Do you intend to help Denki as well? From my perspective, he seems to be struggling"

"...Hmm, I'll think about it. He is certainly an influential person in the digital field, he has potential to be a great ally"

Mitsuki nodded, seemingly pleased with my words.

"Inojin, you've been awfully silent, did something happen?"

He looked down, not showing any expression. He threw the raper in the bin and walked out of the shop without uttering anything.

"Wierd... I didn't think he was the type to be triggered over such topics, but I guess it's inevitable as he is arguably the weakest among us"

Mitsuki voiced his thoughts.

"No, he's not that type of guy... Something's wrong... Really wrong"

Shikadai stated as he squinted his eyes. He knows Inojin the best among us, yet... Such emotions are bound to rise upon at some point.

"If you hesitate, he may be lost... Forever"

I told him, he got up from his seat with a nod and exited the building. Iwabe kept his cool and focused on his book in hand.

***

Thud

Breathing heavily, my body crashed to the ground with fatigue. I had me through pure torture... In the name of training.

While it may look easy for an outsider, it certainly wasn't. Every fiber of my being was torn and healed, every second felt like purgatory itself.

I tried to stand up. But fell to the ground again, I was feeling the full burden of the accumulated fatigue over the weeks.

'Rest'

The thought echoed inside my mind, slowly darkening my vision.

'No!! I Refuse to give up!'

Biting my lips to the point blood flowed down, I regained my consciousness and pulled my body up using sheer will.

'I can't give up that easily. Not now. Not ever'

Steeling my resolve to the limit, I lifted the boulder once more. This is just the beginning, if I suffer now I'll be sure to taste the fruits of my struggles. In the form of power.

But... That was all I could do, against my will, the boulder got obliterated to smithereens and I got hit at the back of my neck... Damnit, I didn't notice it while I was busy regaining my consciousness

"What a troublesome grandchild"

Was what I heard before I lost my consciousness.

***

[Stones, pleash 🫶]